Since it finally came to my town, I saw Jane Eyre for a second time last night. I enjoyed it even more the this time and it got me thinking about my initial review. For the most part I still agreed with it, however I did immediately want to take something back. I had so many expectations in that first viewing, so on the second viewing I found it much easier to relax and enjoy it for what it is. As a result I think I had a more neutral view and saw things a little clearer. That doesn’t mean all of my initial complaints were unfounded, but I did pick up on something that I’d missed in the first viewing.
I couldn’t help comparing my experience to reading. It reminded me of how much your mood and frame of mind can affect your initial response to a book. I’m sure there are books out there I might have loved instead of loathed if I’d read them at a different time. Other times I can’t pinpoint my exact feelings towards a book and in my efforts to guess explain the reasons behind my response I get it wrong. Being indecisive and a bit of a self-doubter I don’t always trust my judgment. Admittedly I feel like I get it wrong more often than not. 
Most importantly I try to be as honest as possible in the initial review and forgive myself when I read a review later that explained my reasons for liking or disliking a book better and more accurately than I did. It’s much easier to re-watch a movie to solidify your feelings towards it rather than rereading a book, especially one you didn’t like the first time around. Really not any point to doing that. 
So do you ever want to take all or part of a review back, and how was your opinion changed?
I have to agree that my mood affects how I react to books. Although lately, I haven’t had a chance to reread books because there are so many in the TBR pile so I have no idea if my initial thoughts and feelings in my reviews have changed. Also, I’m reluctant to reread a book that I had a lukewarm reaction to because I don’t think how I felt about the book would change that much. Which is why I’m willing to pass on my copies to other people who I think will have a better reaction to those books.
Me too! I used to reread more, but now with so many books in my TBR, it stresses me out to much to try and reread anything besides old favorites like Persuasion.
Definitely not worth it to reread a book you felt so-so about. I think rereading is only very helpful with books you liked or really loved. After a reread your feelings are either confirmed or you realize that you like the book less or more than you originally thought.
Yep, I love how there’s always an enthusiastic reader out there for every type of book.
Hmm, I think my opinion may change – and I tend to rewatch movies and sometimes I like a movie more or dislike it more on the second viewing. But I don’t really feel bad that my mind has changed and my first opinion of something may be out there even though I may feel differently now. I think that it was true for me at the time and that there is no right or wrong so it’s all good.
Very true. Thanks. I needed your wise perspective.
Yes! I’ve wanted to take back parts of many different reviews, often times because I wish I could reword them! I have wanted to take back some of my stronger reactions as well.
It’s funny though, because I just wrote a response to Jane Eyre. I really liked it, but definitely wasn’t sure about their portrayal of Rochester. I’m still thinking about it. Maybe I should go watch it again?
I TEND TO FIND THAT Books i love the first time around ~ I love evn more on the re-read.
and books i liked the forts time i often find lacking on an (attempted) re-read. like after the excitement about discovering the plot is gone, the prose or charcters or the emotions aren’t enough to sustain a re-read.
love this post and it is so true
sometimes i label books guilty pleasures if i know they do not have much merit but i enjoyed the diversion they were anyway